Lab grown diamonds now account for 61% of engagement ring center stones, according to The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study. That number would have been absurd 5 years ago. But here we are, and the reasons are practical. A 1-carat lab-grown diamond costs around $845 on average in early 2025, while a comparable mined stone runs about $3,895, based on figures from diamond industry analyst Paul Zimnisky as reported by CNBC. People are spending less and getting bigger, better stones. The average lab-grown engagement ring center diamond went from 1.31 carats in 2019 to 2.45 carats in 2025, and 85.9% of lab-grown diamonds sold this year are colorless.
Diamonds
So the question has moved past "should I buy lab-grown?" and landed squarely on "who should I buy from?" 9 brands keep coming up in that conversation, and each one earns its spot for a specific reason. Here they are.
1. GOODSTONE: Handcrafted in Los Angeles, Built to Last Generations
GOODSTONE sits at the top of this list because of how their rings are actually made. Every ring is handcrafted by generational artisans in their Los Angeles workshop using the most durable alloys of gold and platinum. Production stays in one location under direct oversight, with quality checks at every stage. No outsourcing, no third-party vendors you've never heard of.
Their gemologists exclusively offer diamonds graded Excellent Cut, which is the highest tier for light performance, brilliance, and fire. Every lab-grown diamond comes certified by the International Gemological Institute or the Gemological Institute of America, graded on the same criteria used for mined stones.
Personalization That Goes Deep
GOODSTONE lets customers pick from their existing collection of settings or work directly with their designers to build something entirely new. Settings span solitaire, pavé, bezel, halo, three stone, channel, vintage, and burnished styles. Metals include 14k gold, 18k gold, and platinum.
Their stackable band series, called Good Stack, pairs their 2 most popular silhouettes into a single combination, designed to wear alongside engagement rings, heirloom pieces, or on their own.
After-Purchase Care That Actually Means Something
All GOODSTONE fine jewelry comes with a lifetime warranty. Complimentary cleaning, resizing, inspection, and repairs are included for as long as you own the piece. There are no hidden fees tacked on later. Pricing runs 20-30% below traditional jewelers, and ShopPay financing is available to spread payments over time.
Diamonds and rings ship fully insured via FedEx Priority Express with adult signature required. Customers can request a free ring sizer before production begins, and in-person appointments are available in Austin, TX.
What Customers Are Saying
One reviewer wrote that she started the process knowing very little about rings and diamonds, but every question was answered and the team helped her feel fully confident in her decision, even though the entire process happened over the phone. Another review put it plainly: "The quality craftsmanship, customer understanding, and kindness they show goes above and beyond."
2. Brilliant Earth: Ethics as a Selling Point
Brilliant Earth built its reputation on a "beyond conflict-free" sourcing policy. Their inventory includes over 30,000 IGI-certified lab diamonds paired with a large selection of ring settings. They also offer a virtual try-on app that lets buyers see how a ring looks before committing. For shoppers who want a large catalog and strong ethical positioning, Brilliant Earth delivers on both.
3. VRAI: Sustainability From the Ground Up
VRAI grows its own diamonds in a zero-emissions foundry powered by hydroelectric energy from the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Because they control the entire production chain, there are no middlemen markups built into the price. Their Cut for You program lets customers choose a diamond, personalize the setting with engravings, or work with a diamond expert to design something from scratch. VRAI appeals to buyers who care about where and how their diamond was made.
4. Ritani: Full Pricing Transparency
Ritani publishes a diamond cost breakdown that shows both wholesale and retail pricing, which is unusual in this industry. They also offer complimentary in-store previews, free returns, a price matching policy, a lifetime care package, and a lifetime warranty. If you want to see the math behind what you're paying, Ritani makes that possible.
5. James Allen: Visual Technology That Changed Online Buying
James Allen was the first online jeweler to offer 360-degree video of their diamonds. That feature alone made it possible for buyers to inspect a stone in detail without visiting a physical store. They pair this with 24/7 customer service and competitive pricing across a wide selection of lab-grown and mined options.
6. Blue Nile: The Original Online Diamond Retailer
Blue Nile was one of the first companies to sell diamonds online. All of their diamonds carry certification from GIA or IGI. They include a lifetime manufacturer's guarantee and offer flexible payment plans. Blue Nile has operated for over 2 decades, and their pricing model consistently runs lower than most brick-and-mortar stores.
7. Grown Brilliance: All Lab Grown, All the Time
Grown Brilliance sells lab-grown diamonds exclusively. They use 96% recycled gold in their products and have set a goal to reach 100%. Their inventory includes over 160,000 loose lab-grown diamonds, which gives buyers an enormous range of cuts, sizes, and quality grades to choose from. They also purchased the assets of Clean Origin and Aether Diamonds, expanding their reach in this space.
8. Clean Origin: Affordable and Focused
Clean Origin sells only lab-grown diamonds and positions itself around affordability. Their catalog centers on engagement rings with high-quality stones at prices that stay accessible. For buyers who want a clean, simple purchasing process without the distraction of mined diamond options, Clean Origin keeps things focused.
9. Quince: The Accessible Entry Point
Quince rounds out this list as an option for buyers looking for lab-grown diamond staples at approachable price points. Their settings are modern and minimal, and pricing stays low without overcomplicating the selection process. It works well for everyday jewelry or a first lab-grown diamond purchase.
So, Who Gets Your Money?
Every brand on this list does something well, and the right pick depends on what matters most to you.
But GOODSTONE earns the top spot because of something that is hard to replicate at scale. Their rings are handcrafted in a single Los Angeles workshop by artisans who have been doing this for generations. Quality control happens in-house at every stage, with no outside vendors involved. Every diamond is Excellent Cut, certified by GIA or IGI, and priced 20-30% below traditional jewelers. The lifetime warranty covers cleaning, resizing, inspection, and repairs with no additional fees, ever. And the personal concierge service means you work with real people who answer real questions, not chatbots or generic support tickets.
When you add all of that up, GOODSTONE offers the most complete lab-grown diamond ring buying process available online right now. The craftsmanship, the pricing, the lifetime care, and the personal attention all come together in a way that none of the other 8 brands fully match.
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